EU warns US against extending anti-terrorism campaign

In the clearest indication to date of its own independent policy on terrorism, the European Union on Friday warned the US against extending its international war on terrorism beyond Afghanistan without first seeking approval from the international community.

"There can be no possible geographical extension of these operations without the prior approval of the international community," the 15-member body said, a day after promising participation in a United Nations-mandated peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.

US President George W Bush has repeatedly said that the current campaign against Afghanistan's Taliban regime, Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda network is just the beginning of a US-led 'war against terrorism'.

Pentagon sources have suggested further action against targets and organisations accused of terrorist activity or complicity could include Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.